With the aid of artificial lighting, German scientists planted the first batch of vegetables in the Antarctic

- Apr 09, 2018 -

German scientists in the Antarctic coast nnoitora Maier station three, a first without soil, sunlight and pesticides in vegetables. They use artificial lighting and closed irrigation system to control carbon dioxide concentration and cultivate a variety of vegetables in the high-tech greenhouse under the severe cold weather with outdoor temperature below 20 degrees Celsius.

It is reported that the first batch of vegetables include 3.6 kilos of lettuce, 18 small cucumbers and 70 radishes.

The study was carried out by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Project engineer and gardener Zabel (Paul Zabel) says he takes 3 to 4 hours a day to take care of vegetables in the greenhouse. Scientists hope to harvest 4 to 5 kilograms of fruits and vegetables a week by May.

Project leader Schubert (Daniel Schubert) said they have learned more about self-sufficiency and Cultivation in the past few weeks. Antarctica is an ideal place for their research. The aim of the Antarctic planting program is to allow the astronauts to grow more types of vegetables in the future on Mars or the moon.